We all know the song. But why do we deck the halls with boughs of holly? And when did we start using the ornamental application of mistletoe as an excuse for a quick smooch or several? Discover the answer in our whistle-stop historical tour of Christmas decorating, and thank your stars that Oliver Cromwell's ideas on the subject were swiftly rejected!

(You could also read more about your ancestor's Christmasses in our fascinating newspaper collection)